Edge of the World (East Pocket), near Sedona, Arizona, is a breathtaking location that draws visitors in with its stunning views and natural beauty. This area is all about the scenery, offering majestic overlooks that make the drive worthwhile.

The camping experience here is quite rustic, with no amenities like toilets or drinking water, so be prepared to bring everything you need. As one visitor noted, “BYO… Everything.” The lack of facilities means you’ll need to be self-sufficient, but the payoff is worth it when you take in the panoramic views of the Sedona valley.

Accessing the area involves navigating some dirt roads, which can be a bit bumpy, but most vehicles can make it without a hitch. Reviewers have mentioned that the trek is manageable, especially if you have an SUV. Just keep an eye on the weather, as strong winds can make your stay less enjoyable.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there’s a two-mile round trip hike to a viewpoint that’s definitely worth the effort. Visitors have raved about the beauty of the forest surrounding the area, making it a great stop on your way to Sedona from Flagstaff. Just remember to arrive during daylight to avoid any parking mishaps. 

With its incredible views and a sense of adventure, Edge of the World (East Pocket) is a fantastic choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.

It is labelled as East Pocket on a map, but known to locals as “The End of The World,” the perfect nickname to describe this climactic viewpoint. Flagstaff sits upon a lofty plateau carpeted in high-elevation pine forest, but just south of town, the bottom drops out. Below a craggy rim of volcanic rock, the land takes a precipitous plunge into an entirely different world of red rock and sandstone towers. This is the realm of Sedona, and End of The World overlooks all of it.

Edge of the World (East Pocket)

For years, Sedona, Arizona, has been an outdoor hotspot and probably always will be. Surrounded on all sides by national forest lands, there is no shortage of RV and tent camping options near Sedona.

The best camping near Sedona is in the Coconino National Forest. Though, if you’re willing to make the 100-mile drive, the Grand Canyon is the clear winner for the best campsites. A big draw of Sedona, AZ, is the abundance of luxurious RV resorts to choose from. If you’re looking for a relaxing camping weekend in your rig, the campgrounds at these resorts are your ticket to paradise.

Sedona

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Sedona. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sedona. Find the best campgrounds near Sedona, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Sedona, Arizona

We got to drive straight up to the cliff-face and camp out for the night. We woke up to an amazing view and it was just a great view over Sedona and the beautiful landscape!

Such an amazing site!

The drive down the forest road was amazing and the view of the mount Humphery was awesome, the road is accessible for most vehicles and the camp ground had plenty of spaces near the edge. 

Best views near flagstaff 

Great views, ample availability on weekdays. Got the spot with the “swing life away” swing. Had unwelcome visitors come an take pictures and chill while my gf and I were relaxing. Can’t get away or get solitude anymore. Otherwise great spot and relatively easy to get to!

What an excellent spot!

This is an awesome spot if you're looking for great views of Sedona. The road to get to the campsites is long and can be rough in spots. Watch out for cattle and deer when driving down the dirt road. There are only a few spots with views of the canyon but the other sites are secluded in the trees and away from the crowds. Most of the spots have fire pit rings and lots of flat spaces for tents and vehicles. Make sure to get there early in the weekend or camp during the week as it can get pretty busy. There's one hiking trail that begins at the lookout tower just past the campsites. The tower was closed due to covid, but offers great views when its open.

Best views in AZ

Been multiple  times, great spot

This place is so beautiful!!! It’s about 2 hours from north Phoenix and then another hour on a dirt road to finally get here. I drive a Mazda CX-5 and honestly, it was definitely more rugged than I had anticipated. The majority of the dirt road is okay, but then when you start going towards the last off turn, there’s some mega rocks in the road. I truly don’t think a little car could get down these roads, but that’s just my opinion! 

Someone had already taken “the spot” for this area so we went to one off to the right, and it also has a great view. We walked over to another site that would’ve been off to the left if you’re coming in, and it too had a fantastic view too! There’s little fire pits with rock walls at the actual spots, but there’s no bathrooms or anything like that around. The sites are also pretty far apart which I LOVE since that’s the whole point of camping anyways! 

We came on a Wednesday around 1pm and there was only one person here, so it’s not that busy at all during the week! 

Exactly What I Was Looking For

AMAZING!!!! I drove my pop up which was dumb idea, to get all the way to top it’s best to tent camp! Worth every minute of anxiety driving! Words can’t explain the beauty. 

AMAZING!!!!!!!

This place is absolutely amazing. We had a wicked beautiful spot at the edge. We had a creature get into our trash waking us up in the middle of night, so don't forget to bring it in. The road up is easy, some spots get a little rocky but if you take your time you'll be fine. Definitely the best free campground I've been too. There's no bathroom so bring a shovel and toss your tp in the fire (if allowed and if not throw it in your trash bag) other then that sit back and enjoy the view. 

Beautiful

One of the best camp spots. The directions on here will take you to the right side but if you have a lower car I would suggest staying to the left of the last fork in the road. It’s definitely doable in a regular car but it was much nicer to have a 4x4. 

Amazing

By far, one of the best views from a camp site I’ve ever experienced! 4x4 a must! I got stuck in my Jeep Compass. We went on a Sat night so there were plenty of people there available to help. That being said, get there early or go on a weekday. There are plenty of camping areas with plenty of space between groupings. I thought I saw they were not currently allowing fires so we didn’t, but our neighbors did. It was my cousin’s first time camping so we set the bar high! FYI the road is long and bumpy, be prepared. 

Holy wow!

So happy we stumbled across this site. The road in is bumpy and rocky, but not impossible (a Ford Mustang in the site next to us clearly made it). We got there early Saturday morning, and most of the spots were filled but we found one after taking a right. there was a slight incline but a fire pit was already established and our view wasn’t completely blocked (although other spots definitely had better views). Unfortunately, people had left a lot of trash so we picked up before set up, and a group a couple spots over from us were blasting music. However, we were able to relax in our hammocks, walk around to the edge of the cliffs, get some photos and just relax and disconnect for 2 days. The sunrise was gorgeous. Just wish people would clean up after themselves. 

So happy to disconnect

Long road. Rough in spots. Long way to drag a small camper but we got it done. And the views make it all worth it!

The Views!!

Tons of campsites along the cliff with beautiful views. 

However, this place is incredibly busy and you end up with campsites every 20 yards so it’s not secluded at all. Unfortunately the campsite next to mine had a bunch of people partying and they left their dog out at night, which attacked a skunk. Could smell it at my site. 

The next night a bunch of kids ran through my campsite to get a better vantage point for pictures

Overall, I recommend it for the views. It just won’t be that relaxing time in the woods 

Beautiful but busy

I camped here the other weekend and had the place to myself! Based on other reviews I thought it was going to busy, but I guess not so during the late fall/early winter camping season. There are a number of sites, so it would be possible to spread out during low season if others are there. It is quite a drive (1-1.5 hours one way depending on which Forest roads you take), but it’s fun and the views are worth it. If you’re going to drive all the way there, you might as well stay! I do believe low clearance vehicles could make it, but there are some areas where you would have to go slow and be smart. When you get to the East Pocket area you’ll see that the road splits, and then splits again. These three roads all connect along the edge with campsites along the way, but I would recommend for low clearance vehicles to keep on the furthermost right road - just keep bearing right. There are spots on the other roads where I don’t believe a low clearance vehicle could pass. I was surprised to have service at the top, but you’ll lose service for most of the drive, so make sure to download maps and directions before going up. I will also echo other reviewers that there is some trash and tp around - please recreate responsibly and pack it in/pack it out! 

Worth the drive!

Incredible spot. We had just come from spending two nights in Sedona on FR 525. This spot beat that by miles. Road is pretty rough, though. Bout an hour of dirt roads. Any SUV should do just fine. It’s worth it

Absolutely loves every minute of this camping spot. Took my 4x4 about an hour of dirt roads to get from the 17 to the camp spot, but was not difficult to drive! 

Beautiful and Secluded

Absolutely absurd views and stars. Cannot recommend enough. Bit of a drive but stick on it and see the view. Worth every second. 

Breathtaking 

We tried to go today and the road is closed because it’s very cold and there’s a LOT of snow. Will be back when it opens back up! 

It’s closed 

We tried today, but road closed - probably due to too much snow / ice. 

Road closed!

I’m sure it’s a phenomenal site, but road was still closed as of 4/11/2021.

Road closed still..

Gate closed

Was honestly worried because I had taken an SUV up the mountain to the spot and the drive was sketchy in some spots, especially if other people were coming. It was BEAUTIFUL. There is a few different spots you can go. First, follow the directions and it will take you to the big open area— great for groups. There’s a location to backtrack to that is close to the big spot. Great for pictures. If you choose to go straight at the very end instead of make the right hand turn to get to the big spot, there are camping spots lined up on that side of the cliff. This place is great for drones! I had great service at the campsite and was able to stream shows. If you go in October-April, and the gate is open, be sure to have previous knowledge on winter camping. It gets chilly and the drive is brutal. About 1.5 hours up the mountain. My favorite camping spot ever. 

BEST SPOT EVER

Spent a couple nights up here recently. I’d definitely recommend patience and a vehicle that you’re comfortable hitting ruts, rocks, etc with depending on which route you choose to take into this location. 

As for the sites there are a handful of off shoots that go to the edge with the views everyone posts about. More than likely you won’t be alone and you will see a ton of other campers, and at the worst won’t have a site that’s worth the drive up there.

Cell service is pretty solid at the cliff sites as well and if you can get a good spot you’re in for a great camping trip.

It can still be pretty hot up there depending on the time of year. I camped in June and anything not in shade was a cooker. 

There is also no way in n out of this location so if you forget something or have car trouble then you better have brought stuff to fix it’s yourself otherwise you’re hosed.

Don’t trash it, don’t burn the forest down and respect fire bans because this area is ripe for a big fire. Test the land with respect and we’ll be able to enjoy this area for decades to come.

One of my favorites

The views are amazing and right there behind each spots, the spots are separated pretty well, and lots of day-hiking opportunities. Take County rd 231 for the nicest roads in. Most other routes are great for 4x4-ing. 

I camped here in winter and my camping experience here is one of the best I ever had. It was a little freezing though.

Hands down the best camping I ever had

***Did this December of 2020***

You pass the Home Depot and make a left into Fire Road 231 and it’s about 24 miles (1 hour) since i was going 20-35mph in a Prius. Everyone else was in 4x4 but 2WD can make it up just that lower vehicles will feel ever bump in the road. 
I have T-Mobile and had 2-4 bars out there! Made some texts/facetimes and internet no problem (tip is to reset network settings, you will lose your saved wifi passwords though) 

My Prius Made it Up There! 

Finding the area was slightly a challenge but the drive was more than worth it. We went with huge puddles and mud so I recommend a high clearance 4x4 vehicle for the drive up. Views were stunning 

Stunning view

This area is incredibly beautiful! Loved our stay. We came up at the end of August and the weather was perfect! Low 60s at night and mid 80s in the day. Also, lots and lots of different kinds of mushrooms to catalog! 
The way up is easy. There is a rough spot right when you get in and then fairly smooth sailing after that. We were in our Kia Sedona and it handled great. I even saw some smaller cars up towards the top. However, the road that forks farther up on Google maps has been ruined by deep ruts and very difficult to get to. Best to stay on the main road.
The rest of the grounds have lots of spaces that are very spread out. Ours was plenty far away from the road. Be sure to look carefully for spots. Some are really well hidden, which may be preferable. There's one that overlooks the canyon that we didn't see until leaving. I think I'll try for that spot next time.
As for the state of the grounds. Most are pretty clean. But it seems like a number of them are regularly used by people with little to no knowledge of camping etiquette. Or just a general lack of regard for the next camper. We had to tear down and move the previous fire pit because it was clearly too small to use and overflowing with ash and garbage. Cleaned a lot of glass, cans and melted plastic. My son made a game of finding bullet casings. He found nearly 100 and stopped really looking after a while. 
None of that though was enough to ruin it. Still one of the best campouts in a long time.

Gorgeous atmosphere with some hiccups

I drove up the dirt road at the end as described. Eventually you get to an open area and two the right there are three sites. One you can't see the edge and the two others you can.. someone was already at the "prime spot" but I was able to snag the one next to it which was very close. No privacy, but they were kind enough to allow me to stay.. I Initally I drove past these sites in search of a more secluded site as described in previous post there should be an area where there are multiple along the edge.. I'm not sure where I went wrong. I was never able to find the sites. I drove for 2 hours looking and ran Into dead ends and very rough terrain. I would not attempt the roads past the initial sites without 4wd, I had 4wd and was still nervous in certain areas. It started to get late so I turned around and went back to the first sites. I was very disappointed but the site I stayed at was beautiful just a little rocky. I would attempt this again but maybe give myself more time to search around and bring markers so I can figure out my way back. There are a lot of Y intersections and very easy to get confused. Since this was my first time attempting something like this and alone I didn't want to push it too much and end up lost which I did but luckily I figured it out. I did have in and out service with Verizon. Oh and calling the ranger station was pointless they had no idea where I was at, couldn't help me, and were having technical problems with their phone line so kept hanging up. Make sure people know roughly where your going before you head out. 

Difficult to find but beautiful 

Was a little difficult finding the road to turn off but once found, man is it beautiful. There was probably 3 good size private (ish) sites, nice tall trees for hammocks. Took the dog and she loved it. 

Amazing views of Sedona 

I’ve always wanted to camp here and finally made it happen. Gorgeous views of Sedona, and incredible stars at night. We had a few neighbors but a lot of privacy still. Highly recommend. 

One of the most beautiful places on the planet 

Dispersed camping down a long, dirt road overlooking beautiful canyon and Sedona red rock. Rock fire rings at some sites, but signs indicated camp fires were not allowed. This is a very popular camping spot, so arrive early or try to camp during the week. Off-road vehicle recommended. We encountered many mosquitoes and bees, so bring big spray.

Amazing views

This place is amazing but getting a bit crowded as people find out about the beauty! Show up early! 

Awesome Views 

The long dirt road brings you to a verity of spots. Our site already had a fire built with a log to sit on. Campsites are a good length away. Many roads to take if spots get full, just have to look for them. Loved the views 

Great spot 

Camped here last weekend and wow, what an epic location. To get to the Edge of The World spots (3 camp sites) the coordinates indicate you’ve made it when you really have about 3 or more miles of gnarly terrain to navigate through. Only 4x4 vehicles will make it as it’s very rutted terrain. There are many other options to camp along the way but non beat the view at the end. The view and scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Although it got pretty cold at night it was awesome being the only ones there at this secluded location. 

Epic Camping Spot

Been here multiple times. We love it. Wanted to get the spot with the famous “Swing Life Away” swing. It’s gone. Looks like someone stole/destroyed it. 

Still epic views and fun ride in. High clearance vehicle recommended but I don’t feel it’s required. Saw some rogues and rav4s make it. 

Still a wonderful spot! FAMOUS SWING IS GONE

Spent two nights there in a Sparrow Roofnest last week.  Although the drive in is long (45 min), my 2021 RAV4 had no problems making the trip in dry conditions.  All other campgrounds, dispersed sites around Sedona were packed while no more than 5 others shared this incredible ridge with me.  The AT&amp;T signal was strong throughout my entire stay.  Highly recommended!

View beyond belief!

this is the 3rd time coordinates on the dyrt have done me dirty — lesson learned. 10/10 do not recommend following these coordinates as they do not lead to the campsite. when the road forks to either stay on the gravel-ish road (you’ll know what i mean when you’re out here) or go down a dirt road *stay on the gravel.* 

not the right coordinates 

4.9 miles up a gravel road. Turn left where road forks(sign for Harding Point). Follow this dirt road for 1.75 miles. Stay straight on this dirt road until you hit a couple large camp spots, *do not turn off little roads(we got lost a few times…) Once you reach those open camp spots you can drive or walk down to “the edge”, which is where we camped. Amazing views of the canyon. We had the place to ourselves. We were in a Jeep 4x4 had no problem. 

Great views! (Worth the drive)

Recommend getting there during the daylight- I got there after dark and accidentally parked in someone’s site with them when there was an empty one next to me. LONG drive out there in washboarded roads. 

Stunning

We were looking for the spot but it was getting dark. I think we may have missed a turn but found a beautiful spot and decided to settle there. The whole forest has tons of great spots, and it’s a great stop on the way to Sedona from Flagstaff.

Beautiful forest 

After a very long rough ride comes the big payoff. The site is as advertised. The only negative is other people who park way too close and play loud music. It's impossible to get away from rude and inconsiderate people these days. There were plenty of spots available at the time.

All About the View

Great view over the Sedona valley. Road is a bit bumpy but you don’t need a 4x4 or anything unless it’s muddy 

Amazing views 

The views over Sedona are always amazing here! It was super windy but other then that… epic.

Unreal views

The view was everything! Didn’t go all the way down to the east pocket, weather was great. Drive up wasn’t bad either. 

Better than expected 

This spot has a Unmatched views. I lived in sedona years and never knew about until i was in college, i wish I came sooner!
I will say it was a trek on the dirt road, but  an suv is doable on both the woody mtn rd and country road 535. 
Was pretty busy area and not much solitude to be honest but also all spread out along the rim.

Best Dispersed Spot

BYO…. Everything. This not-so-hidden gem has nothing to offer besides majestic views overlooking Sedona. 

There aren’t any toilets and this is a very popular spot, so I highly recommend a bucket and popup privacy “poop tent”. 

There is a 2 mile round trip hike up to a view point past buckshand tank. 

Definitely check weather conditions before heading out because strong winds would make this a miserable destination. 

It’s all about the views 

It’s actually very easy to get to and not too bad of a drive. It takes about an hour to get to the stunning views but there are campsites everywhere along the way 

Photos of Edge of the World (East Pocket)

Real photos from real campers